Tool coupler assembly

Abstract

A tool coupler assembly for a machine is disclosed. The tool coupler assembly may have a coupler frame, a first latch, a second latch, and a hydraulic actuator connected to move the second latch relative to the first latch and the coupler frame. The hydraulic actuator may have a first chamber, a second chamber, and a pressure valve with a check element movable to allow a flow of fluid into the first chamber based on a pressure of fluid in the first chamber, and a pressure regulating element movable to allow a flow of fluid out of the first chamber based on a pressure of fluid in the second chamber. The tool coupler assembly may additionally have a first pilot passage configured to communicate fluid from the second chamber with the pressure-regulating element, and a second pilot passage configured to communicate fluid from the first chamber with the pressure-regulating element.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method of decoupling a tool from a linkage of a machine, comprising:
 directing pressurized fluid to a linkage actuator to move the linkage to an end-stop position;   continuing to direct pressurized fluid to the linkage actuator after the linkage has reached the end-stop position until a pressure of the pressurized fluid reaches a set limit;   directing pressurized fluid from the linkage actuator to a coupler actuator after the set limit has been reached to unlock the tool; and   separating the linkage from the tool.   
     
     
         20 . A method of decoupling a tool from a linkage of a machine, comprising:
 receiving an indication to decouple a tool;   increasing a stroke of a pump for a period of time based on the indication;   directing fluid pressurized by the pump at an increased stroke to a coupler actuator to hydraulically unlock the coupler actuator;   moving the unlocked coupler actuator to unlock the tool; and   allowing the linkage to be separated from the tool.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein separating the linkage from the tool includes separating a couple connected to the linkage from the tool. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein unlocking the tool includes retracting a piston rod relative to a tube portion connected to the piston rod. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein unlocking the tool further includes rotating a first latch away from a first tool pin of the tool until the first latch contacts an end-stop. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein unlocking the tool further includes pulling the tube portion toward the first latch, causing a second latch to rotate away from a second tool pin of the tool. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 19 , further including placing the tool in a fully-curled position. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the set limit is from 2,000 to 6,000 psi. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 19 , further including:
 determining if the tool has unlocked; and   repeating the steps of directing pressurized fluid to the linkage actuator to move the linkage to the end-stop position, continuing to direct pressurized fluid to the linkage actuator after the linkage has reached the end-stop position until the pressure of the pressurized fluid reaches the set limit, and directing pressurized fluid from the linkage actuator to the coupler actuator after the set limit has been reached to unlock the tool, until the tool has unlocked.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 20 , further including retracting a piston rod relative to a tube portion connected to the piston rod. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , further including rotating a first latch away from a first tool pin of the tool until the first latch contacts an end-stop. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , further including pulling the tube portion toward the first latch, causing a second latch to rotate away from a second tool pin of the tool. 
     
     
         31 . A method of decoupling a tool from a couple connected to a linkage of a machine, comprising:
 directing pressurized fluid to a linkage actuator to move the linkage to an end-stop position;   continuing to direct pressurized fluid to the linkage actuator after the linkage has reached the end-stop position until a pressure of the pressurized fluid reaches a set limit;   directing pressurized fluid from the linkage actuator to a coupler actuator after the set limit has been reached to unlock the tool by:
 retracting a piston rod relative to a tube portion connected to the piston rod; 
 rotating a first latch away from a first tool pin of the tool until the first latch contacts an end-stop, after retracting the piston relative to the tube portion; and 
 pulling the tube portion toward the first latch, causing a second latch to rotate away from a second tool pin of the tool, after rotating the first latch away from the first tool pin; and 
   separating the linkage and couple from the tool after the first and second latches have rotated away from the first and second tool pins.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , further including:
 determining if the first and second latches have unlocked; and   repeating the steps of directing pressurized fluid to the linkage actuator to move the linkage to the end-stop position, continuing to direct pressurized fluid to the linkage actuator after the linkage has reached the end-stop position until the pressure of the pressurized fluid reaches the set limit, and directing pressurized fluid from the linkage actuator to the coupler actuator after the set limit has been reached to unlock the tool, until the first and second latches have unlocked.